New Delhi: Seeking response from vendors, Indian Army has issued two Request For Information (RFI) on its website September 22 for the procurement of 4.25 lakh close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines and 47,627 bullet-proof jackets (BPJ). The due date to submit responses is October 21, 2022.
The RFI for close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines said, “After signing of the contract, the quantity required should be delivered commencing earliest but not later than eight months and completing earliest but not later than 60 months. The vendors should confirm if they can deliver the requisite quantity of CQB carbine within the stipulated timeframe.”
The RFI on the operational characteristics of the carbine stated that the CQB carbines should fire the in-Service Indian 5.56 x 45mm ammunition and have an effective range of not less than 200 metres. Weight of the carbine without magazine and accessories should not exceed 3 Kgs + 10% and it should have a minimum service life of 15 years or 15,000 rounds whichever is earlier.
The RFI for bullet-proof jackets (BPJs) said, “After signing of the contract, the quantity required should be delivered commencing earliest but not later than six months and completing earliest but not later than 24 months.” The tentative timeline of issue of Request For Proposal (RFP) is November 2022, according to both the RFIs.
Earlier, procurement of over 90,000 close quarter carbines (CQB) through the FTP route was cancelled. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted fresh approval for the carbine procurement recently. The Army has, for some time, been attempting to replace the indigenous INSAS (Indian National Small Arms System) rifles in use with a modern rifle.
The efforts by the government to open up ammunition to the private sector in last few years have attracted several Indian companies. These companies have invested in the small arms segment and have started production as well eyeing the large requirement.
